The Experience

There’s a warm and woody, solidly inviting feel to Mike & Robbie’s Whitrigg House. They live nearby and look after you well: laying on soup for late arrivals, chalking-up the weather and the breakfast menu daily. Ingredients are carefully sourced and much is homemade.Ceramics, paintings and other work by local artists may inspire a gallery or workshop visit; there’s a lot of creative energy in the area – excellent eateries too, including the village George & Dragon.It’s easy to break a journey here, and to linger for fabulous hill walking and cycling – there’s a bike shed and sauna in the garden – and for simply strolling around pretty villages and lakes; nearby Ullswater is lovely as are the Aira Force waterfalls.

Reviews

My partner and I stayed at Mike and Robbie's Whitrigg House B&B for an overnight visit to the area. The hosts are fabulously welcoming; unfortunately we were not able to sample their famous hearty breakfasts and will hope to rectify that on our next visit, which we hope to be able to book soon.
We stayed in Room X, which, although sounding like an episode of Black Mirror, is actually an exceptionally comfortable space that has been exquisitely decorated by the owners and has a large modern bathroom. I don't think I've ever slept on such a large and comfortable bed! Would definitely recommend.

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Jimmy, LeedsDec 2017

Our host, Mr Taylor, was extremely helpful and welcoming. The house is beautiful and and great attention has been made to every detail internally. The bedroom and ensuite shower room were perfect. One small criticism is that early morning traffic noise can be disturbing if a front bedroom is used:this should be overcome in the near future as we understood permission has been given for the installation of double glazing. This is a relatively minor item. the evening meal at the recommended restaurant the other end of the village was really excellent!

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John, EveshamJun 2016

Warm and comfy sitting room and chilled glass of white wine after a 5 hour journey was bliss. Bed incredibly sleep-inducing, piping hot water for shower, breakfast fit for a king. A great little place to stay

The neighbourhood

The Eden Valley village of Clifton, site of the 1745 Hanoverian/Jacobite skirmish, has its own gastro-pub, the George & Dragon and is five minutes’ drive from Penrith’s shops and castle. Close to the coast to coast route and between the North Pennines and Cumbrian Fells it’s faultless for the outdoorsy. Locally there’s Lowther Castle and Dalemain Mansion to visit and a vibrant arts scene; pop-up events – meals and music – are planned for the orangery.

Local points of interest from Mike Taylor

Our beautiful, award winning B&B is situated in the historic village of Clifton on the North Eastern fringes of the Lake District National Park with easy access to the Northern and Eastern Fells and Lakes and all that the area has to offer.

Our local village pub is the fabulous George and Dragon, a foodie pub of the highest order and only a five minute stumble away! The Gate Inn in nearby Yanwath is also worthy of mention, a traditional Lakeland Pub serving wonderful food.

Just a 10 minute drive is beautiful Ullswater. Enjoy a trip on one of the Ullswater Steamers which sails from nearby Pooley Bridge to Glenridding and offers the chance to disembark at various points to enable visitors to hop on/off at their leisure.

For days when the weather is less clement, visit the Rheged centre which is a short 10 minute drive away and houses all manner of attractions including exhibitions, cafes, galleries, shops and a huge 3D cinema.

The Red Barn in nearby Melkinthorpe is a fantastic gallery with ever changing exhibitions from some of the best local, national and international artists. If ceramics, sculpture and paintings are your bag, The Red Barn won't fail to impress.

A visit to the area wouldn't be complete without seeing Lowther Castle and Gardens. A short drive takes you to the Lowther Deer Park where visitors can wander around the gorgeous gardens and see the ongoing renovation of this once stunning ancestral home.

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Introducing

Mike Taylor

Mike & Robbie chose Clifton for a lifestyle change in 2013, moving to Cumbria from Chester and careers with the NHS and Shell. They’ve poured their energies into Whitrigg creating what they themselves enjoy as guests: a very comfortable, distinctly styled place to stay, with seriously good breakfasts. They love to get out walking their dogs on the fells; for advice on matters outdoors, Robbie’s the more experienced climber and walker.